Month: November 2016

Alex Williamson (or Shooter Williamson as his fans affectionately know him) is a multi-talented verifiable YouTube sensation and a unique, multi-faceted filmmaker, songwriter and performer. Alex began performing stand up in 2007, going on to be a state finalist in triple j’s 2009 RAW Comedy competition. He then transitioned to radio and relocated to Los Angeles where he performed duties for The Hot Hits shows live from LA at red carpet events. Alex completed a degree in Filmmaking at Flinders University in 2008, and his live comedy and radio experience along with his talents as a filmmaker, provided a unique platform for him to launch himself onto the internet via YouTube and all the major social media platforms, where he has also showcased his musical abilities (piano and guitar), acting skills and singing talent. In 2012, Alex commenced another transition in his career, which saw him bring his various YouTube characters, songs and stand-up comedy to life in a hilarious live stage solo show, Alex Williamson and Friends. This and his subsequent live shows have sold out shows at all the major comedy festivals since 2012. Alex also had a starring role in his first feature film- Me & My Mates Vs The Zombie Apocalypse – alongside Jim Jefferies and Greg Fleet, which has already achieved cult status since it’s release in August 2015.

Image Credit: Steve Ullathorne

THE STREET TALKS TO ALEX WILLIAMSON AHEAD OF HIS OPEN UP PERFORMANCE.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF – WHO IS ALEX WILLIAMSON?

In my spare time I collect used condoms & like to smoke a cone, perhaps indulge in a trip, and speculate on why the world is the way it is, and if a stoned piece of shit like myself can do anything to change it (probably for the worse). I’ll start by putting smiles on people’s faces with my online videos.

WHY DID YOU GO INTO STAND-UP COMEDY?

Because it seems like a pretty amazing way to make a living, specifically the travel. You can go everywhere because laughter is universal. If my career goes to plan I’ll be paying child support in every continent in the world.

WHERE DOES YOUR YOUTUBE PERSONA “SHOOTER WILLIAMSON” COME FROM?

From where I grew up in a little regional part of South Australia. Our town got a new shed recently, it’s our biggest tourist attraction. It has potential to be the 8th Natural Wonder of the World, even though it’s not natural. It’s just such a dope shed.

YOU HAVE PERFORMED AT ALL THE MAJOR AUSTRALIAN COMEDY FESTIVALS AS WELL AS THE EDINBURGH FRINGE. DESCRIBE HOW YOUR AUDIENCES DIFFERED OR WERE SIMILAR?

I thought Australia had a fairly drunk culture but Scotland go real hard on the booze, which makes it interesting if they heckle, because I can’t understand them on the best of days, let alone when some northern lad who’s had 30 pints yells something out from the back row. It just might as well be a noise like a drill.

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR FROM AN AUDIENCE?

Spare change. I’ll typically stand out the front of the theatre after show essentially begging, in an attempt to scavenge enough for a 20 pack of JPS blue. I also like them to have a sick sense of humour, and most that watch my videos tend to (even if they don’t admit it).

WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO PLAY A TELECOM TRADESMAN IN THE AUSTRALIAN ZOMBIE COMEDY FILM, ME AND MY MATES VS THE ZOMBIE APOCALYSE?

I just thought I fitted the role well, the character Daryl had zero work ethic, and so do I.

YOU HAVE OVER TWO AND A HALF MILLION SUBSCRIBERS AND HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF VIEWS ON SOCIAL MEDIA. SERIOUSLY, HOW DO YOU KEEP UP WITH ALL OF YOUR FANS?

I’m not good at writing back to comments and emails but I read them sometimes. I tend to keep up with fans on the street, I get spotted most places I go. Although I’m never sure if people are looking at me on the train because they recognise me, or because I have my dick out.

WITHOUT BEING A SPOILER, WHAT CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO WHEN YOU ‘OPEN UP’?

Everything from a song about the devastating end of a 3 day bender, a little bit of history mixed in with a little bit of tinder, as well as some personal heartfelt stories, like when I had a wank at the airport in the disabled toilet.

WHAT’S INSPIRING YOU CREATIVELY AT THE MOMENT?

I’m staring at the sun for creativity, apparently it’s supposed to ‘open your mind to the world’ (read this in a book I think, or perhaps in a dream, unsure) but now I’m blind unfortunately.

WHAT ARE YOU READING AND WATCHING CURRENTLY?

Reading Alan Partridge’s novels. Great character Ricky Gervais actually based his David Brent character on. I recommend anything with Alan.